Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a decadent dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce clings beautifully to pasta, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is both rustic and elegant.

This dish is inspired by the heart of Tuscany, where simple ingredients are transformed into comforting meals full of depth and character. It’s the perfect recipe to bring the flavors of Italy into your kitchen—comforting, satisfying, and impressive enough for guests.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of comfort food and restaurant-quality elegance. The chicken is juicy and seared to perfection, while the creamy Tuscan sauce feels indulgent without being overly heavy. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, the spinach adds freshness, and Parmesan ties everything together with a nutty finish.

It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make in under 40 minutes. It’s the kind of dish you can make for a family dinner, date night, or when entertaining friends, and everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich, creamy, and flavorful yet simple to make.
• Uses pantry staples like pasta, cream, garlic, and chicken.
• A one-pan wonder when you toss the pasta right into the sauce.
• Feels luxurious and comforting at the same time.
• Versatile—you can customize it with veggies, different pasta, or proteins.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~580 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American (Tuscan-inspired)
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained & sliced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Season and sear chicken until golden.
3. Make creamy Tuscan sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, broth, spinach, and Parmesan.
4. Toss pasta in sauce and add chicken back.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 9–11 minutes).
• Drain, reserve ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
• Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
• Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
• Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.

4. Combine Everything

• Slice chicken into strips and return to skillet.
• Add drained pasta, tossing well to coat in sauce.
• If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

5. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve

• Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic Italian look.
• Pair with garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up the sauce.
• A crisp green salad balances the richness.
• Best enjoyed with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Slice chicken into thin cutlets for quicker cooking.
• Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
• For extra flavor, use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to cook garlic.
• Don’t overcook pasta—al dente holds up better in the creamy sauce.

Variations

• Shrimp Tuscan Pasta – Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp.
• Vegetarian Version – Skip chicken, double the spinach, and add mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spicy Tuscan Pasta – Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not ideal, as cream sauces can separate, but possible for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs (for turning chicken & tossing pasta)
• Grater (for Parmesan)

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of rustic Italian flavors and creamy indulgence. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 40 minutes—making it ideal for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.

The combination of juicy chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach makes every bite irresistible. Whether served to family or guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.